SA16 Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) Diode - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The SA16 is a unidirectional transient voltage suppressor diode manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for general-purpose overvoltage protection applications. Housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial through-hole package, this component provides 16V reverse standoff voltage with a 27.3V maximum clamping voltage at peak pulse current of 19.6A and 500W peak pulse power dissipation.

The SA16 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements for systems utilizing this component.

Substiute Parts

SA16

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1121SA16 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

SA16A

Fairchild SemiconductorIn Stock: 4202SA16A Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5KP16A

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 48195KP16A Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA16A-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 794SA16A-AP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA16A-BP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1105SA16A-BP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

SA16A-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 1177SA16A-TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the SA16 is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

• Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ): 16V
• Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp: 26V to 27.3V range
• Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs): 19.2A to 19.6A
• Power - Peak Pulse: 500W minimum
• Type: Zener, Unidirectional
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: DO-204AC, DO-15, or Axial compatible

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Direct Electrical Equivalents (Same Voltage & Current Ratings)

• SA16A (Fairchild Semiconductor)
• SA16A-AP (Micro Commercial Co)
• SA16A-BP (Micro Commercial Co)
• SA16A-TP (Micro Commercial Co)

These parts maintain identical or near-identical reverse standoff voltage (16V), clamping voltage (26V), and peak pulse current (19.2A to 19.6A) specifications, with 500W peak pulse power rating.

Category 2: Higher Power Alternative (Manufacturer Recommended)

• 5KP16A (Littelfuse Inc.)

This part maintains the same 16V reverse standoff voltage and 26V clamping voltage but provides significantly higher peak pulse current (196.2A) and peak pulse power (5000W), suitable for applications requiring enhanced transient protection capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Equivalent Electrical Performance):

The SA16A-AP, SA16A-BP, and SA16A-TP from Micro Commercial Co are active-status alternatives with identical electrical specifications to the SA16. All three maintain 16V reverse standoff voltage, 26V clamping voltage, and 19.6A peak pulse current. These parts are available in bulk or tape & reel packaging and support the full -55 to 175°C operating temperature range. Selection among these three variants depends on packaging requirements: SA16A-AP and SA16A-BP are supplied in bulk, while SA16A-TP is supplied in tape & reel format.

The SA16A from Fairchild Semiconductor is also electrically equivalent but operates at a reduced maximum temperature of 150°C (versus 175°C for the main part) and is classified as obsolete.

For Enhanced Protection (Higher Power Capability):

The 5KP16A from Littelfuse Inc. is the manufacturer-recommended alternative for applications requiring higher transient energy absorption. This part maintains the same 16V reverse standoff and 26V clamping voltage but provides 196.2A peak pulse current and 5000W peak pulse power dissipation—a tenfold increase in power handling. The 5KP16A is active-status and ROHS3 compliant. The P600 package differs from the DO-15 axial package of the SA16, requiring mechanical design verification for board-level integration.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant. The SA16A-TP and 5KP16A carry explicit moisture sensitivity level (MSL) ratings of 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity constraints during storage or handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can SA16A-AP, SA16A-BP, and SA16A-TP be used interchangeably with the SA16?

A: Yes, these three Micro Commercial Co variants are electrically equivalent to the SA16 and differ only in packaging format. SA16A-AP and SA16A-BP are supplied in bulk; SA16A-TP is supplied in tape & reel. All maintain 16V reverse standoff voltage, 26V clamping voltage, 19.6A peak pulse current, and 500W peak pulse power. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: What is the difference between the SA16A and SA16A-TP?

A: Both parts are electrically identical with 16V reverse standoff voltage and 26V clamping voltage. The primary difference is packaging: SA16A-TP is supplied in tape & reel format suitable for automated assembly, while SA16A is supplied in bulk. SA16A-TP also explicitly specifies ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating.

Q: When should the 5KP16A be selected instead of the SA16A variants?

A: The 5KP16A is selected when the application requires higher transient energy absorption capability. With 196.2A peak pulse current and 5000W peak pulse power (versus 19.6A and 500W for SA16A variants), the 5KP16A is suitable for power line protection or high-energy transient environments. The P600 package differs mechanically from the DO-15 axial package, requiring board layout verification.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: The SA16A-TP, 5KP16A, and SA16 are explicitly ROHS3 compliant. SA16A-AP and SA16A-BP do not specify RoHS status in the provided data. Compliance verification with the component supplier is recommended if RoHS certification is a design requirement.

Q: What is the operating temperature difference between SA16A and other substitutes?

A: The SA16A from Fairchild Semiconductor operates at -55 to 150°C (TJ), which is 25°C lower than the SA16 (-55 to 175°C). The SA16A-AP, SA16A-BP, SA16A-TP, and 5KP16A all support the full -55 to 175°C range. Temperature range selection depends on the thermal environment of the application.

Q: Can the SA16 be replaced with the 5KP16A in existing designs without modification?

A: Electrical substitution is valid; however, the 5KP16A uses a P600 axial package rather than the DO-15 axial package of the SA16. Physical board layout and mechanical mounting must be verified to accommodate the different package geometry before implementation.